Review

The importance of molecular biology and biotechnology in national defence

  • Şefik Güran

Received Date: 13.07.2004 Accepted Date: 12.10.2004 Gulhane Med J 2005;47(2):153-155

Recent advances in molecular biology and biotechnology affect our life in many ways. Today, this technology is used in preventive medicine (preparation of vaccine), in treatment (drug production), in agriculture (production of biotechnological plants and fruits) and in similar areas. However, there is also the possibility of using such a useful technology in a bioterorist attack. This possibility is currently an important danger to our world. In case of such an attack, our country should have developed technologies for vaccination and early diagnosis. Thus, supporting the institutes or universities working in the area of biotechnology, and establishing new institutions that will develop new technologies are important approaches in national defence strategy.

Keywords: Molecular biology, biotechnology, gene technology, recombinant DNA technology, bioterrorism